History of the Irish Catholics of Quebec [microform] : Saint Patrick's Church to the death of Rev. P. McMahon

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(Registered in accordance with the Copyright Act)
HISTORY

OF THE

IRISH CATHOLICS OF QUEBEC

ee

Saint Patrieck’s Church to the death
of Rev. P. McMahon

BY

JAMES M. O'LEARY

QUEBEC
DAILY TELEGRAPH PRINT
1895

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CONTENTS,
Difficulties in building a church.........
First celebration of St. Patrick’s day in
Quebec ................ BT ens a eee
Trish Catholies, A Separate Congrega-
GIO 5 chs oe eS. a acces Wait nee tet eAOk Ka ae
French Cathedral, placed at disposal of
the Irish Catholics. ............... ...
Lower Town Church, Placed at disposal
of the Irish Catholics ... ............
Efforts to build a chureh................. :
St. Patrick’s Church started.............
First Mass in St. Patrick’s Church.......
Donations to St. Patriek’s Church......
Attempt to open street through St. Pat-
rick’s Chureh PPOPOLGV oi ici ssdaveceece
The church extended.......... 0... .... ;
Farewell address to Rev. A. Campeanu...
Farewell address to Rev. B. O’Reilly....
Presentation to Rev. M r. McMahon.....
Death of Rev. P MecMehon..............

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HISTORY
OF THE

IRISH CATHOLICS OF QUEBEC,

—— ee a ee

INDEPENDENT POSITION OF THE CHURCH
IN LOWER CANADA.

The difficulties encountered by the
Trish Catholies of Quebec, in the erection
of a place of Worship, were similar, in
Inany respects, to those which presented
themselves to their fellow countrymen,
engaged in a like undertaking, in other
parts of North America, and arose,
chiefly, from want of means.

There were other difticulties however
ofa more unsurmountable nature, which,
strange as it may appear, were caused by
the legal and independent position en-
joyed by the Catholic church in Canada.
To understand this, it may be necessary
to state that the capitulation of Quebec,
in 1759, made no change in ecclesias-
tical affairs, and the immunities and
rights, which the Catholic church pos.
sessed under the French regime, were

any ,

eee by the treaty of Paris in
1763.

The Catholic religion, therefore, was
not only free from the penal enactments
directed against it in other portions of
British Empire, but, in fact, it was the
religion of the country, recognized by
law, so far, at least as Lower Canada
was concerned The payment of tithes,
and other dues, and the erection of
churches, when deemed necessary, were
enforced by law, and the church tem-
poralities were administered by mar-
guilliers, or church wardens, who were
elected by the laity, and who possessed
very extensive legal powers.

The Irish Catholies, as a matter of
course, became subject to these laws,
on settling in the province of Quebec.
Speaking a language different from the
majority of their co-religionists, they
found it absolutely necessary to have a
separate place of worship, with full con-
trol of its temporalities This could
not be done, unless the marguilliers of
Quebec gave up some of the powers
they held, but they persistently refused
to make any concession on this point,
nor could they be induced to build a
church for the exelusive use of the
Irish Catholics, and retain the manage-
ment of its revenues, although promised

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efficient aid by our people Indeed
throughout the whole of the lengthened
negotiations, the marguilliers, with few
exceptions, appeared to be ignorant of
the fact that the peculiar position of the
English speaking Catholics rendered it
necessary, chat an exception to the
general laws, by which the temporal
affairs of the church in the province of
(Juebec, were hitherto managed, should
be made in their favor.

Ne A a ae

FIRST CELEBRATION OF ST PATRICK’S DAY
IN QUEBEC,

lics of Quebec, for religious purposes,
was held in March, 1819, when it was
resolved that efforts be made to cele-
brate St. Patrick’s day, by a High Mass.

} The first meeting of the Irish Catho-
i
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|

A subscription was taken up to defray

the necessary expenses, and the festival

| was celebrated in the chapel of the
Jongregationists, on the Esplanade Hill.
| A sermon was preached by the Reverend

; Michael Dufresne, vicar at Quebec.

This gentleman took a deep interest in
che temporal and spiritual affairs of the
Irish Catholic emigrants, then arriving
in Quebec, where there were very few
of their nationality, in a position to
render them any assistance. From this

sail, OO seine

time, the celebration of St. Patrick’s
day has been continued, but there was
no other distinct service for the Irish
Catholics until 1822, when they were
formed into

A SEPARATE CONGREGATION,

under the temporary charge of the
Reverend Simon Lawlor. He was suc-
ceeded by the Reverend Henry
McKeagney, who also remained for a
short time, and was replaced by the
Reverend Patrick McMahon in October,
1822. As the latter was sent, in 1825,
as missionary-to St. John, N.B., at
that time included in the diocese of
(Quebec, the Reverend Hugh Paisley
took charge

From 1822, the Irish Catholics at-
tended Divine service in the

FRENCH CATHEDRAL,

at 8 o’clock on Sundays As the Can-
adians met in the same edifice at 9
o’clock, for the Parochical Mass, there
was hardly time for a Low Mass, and a
short instruction for the Irish. Then
the coming in of one congregation,
before the other was dismissed, render-
ed the arrangement very inconvenient
for all parties. This state of affairs was

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remedied to some extent, shortly after
the return of the Reverend Mr.
McMahon, in 1828, when he once more
became pastor of the Irish Congregation,
by the church of

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OUR LADY OF VICTORIES

in the Lower Town, being placed at his
disposal, but this building, even at that
time, was too small for all who desired
to attend, as hundreds were obliged to
remain in the little market square,
exposed at all seasons to ail kinds of
weather without the slightest shelter.
The Irish Catholics, at this time,
numbered between 6,000 and 7,000.

EFFORTS TO BUILD A CHURCH.

During the pastorship of the Rev-
erend Mr. Paisley, in March 1828,
several prominent members of the con-
yregation endeavoured to obtain per-
mission from the marguilliers to build a
chureh, but without success.

. In 18380, a subscription, amounting to
£2,250 was raised among the Irish
Catholics to secure a church A petition
was drawn up, addressed to Sir James
Kempt, asking for a lot belonging to
_the Government (where the Parliament
‘buildings new stand) but His Lordship

— 10

the Bishop declined signing it, and the
petition thus fell to the ground.

The Committee, however, did not
suffer their energies to abate, and
wppointed a sub-committee to examine
certain lots of ground in the city and
suburb. Whilst engaged in this duty,
the Committee received a communica-
tion from the Coadjutor Bishop, and
the marguilliers, in which they expressed
wu wish that the [rish Catholics should
persevere in their intentions to build a
church; and stated that they would
cheertully assist in the work, and that
«committee was appointed to commu-
nicate with a committee of the Lower
Town church on the subject Messrs.
William Burke, Michael Quigley, John
Stillings John Cannon and Gordian
Horan were named to meet the marguil-
liers, and endeavor to learn their inten-
tions. They met them, submitted their
plans, ete., but althongh an answer was
repeatedly asked, they could never pro-
cure any information from the marguil-
liers, of the manner in which their plans
were received

At one of the interviews, the Coad-
jutor Bishop gave the ‘teverend Mr
McMahon to understand that the mar-
guilliers were disposed to assist the
promotion of the religious views of the

ass

frish Catholics by the grant of £500,
annually for’3 years, but it seemed that
this proposal had not been authorized.

The Committee then resolved to pur-
chase, en couwstitiut, the ground belong:
ing to Colonel Voyer, on St. Joachim
street, near the present Montcalm
market They waited on the Bishop
requesting him to hold the land, in
trust, for them, but he declined, unless
the church to be erected would be used,
in common, with the Canadians

Again the marguilliers came forward,
and desired to act conjointly with the
Committee in the choice of a proper
site for the church. Although they
would give no guarantee that the Irish
Catholics should have the exclusive use
of the church, and required the Irish to
contribute a certain specific sum towards
its erection, the Committee of manage-
ment, rather than that the Congrega-
tion should remain any longer in the
inconvenient position in which they
were placed, waived all further object-
ions, which were created by the un-
accommodating spirit of the Fabrique,
and promised on the part of the con-
gregation £500 towards the defraying
of the expenses to be incurred in the
first year of the undertaking, and a
similar sum annually until the work wa

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completed. A deputation from both
bodies were named, and, after several
conferences, it was agreed that two lots
on Gallow’s Hill should be purchased
by the Fabrique for £2,000. The
Fabrique, however, refused to give
more than £1,800, and although the
Irish Catholics agreed to pay the difffer-
ence, the purchase was not completed.
The Fabrique then instructed their
deputation to look after other lots, and
to report within two months. As the
Committee’s patience was now. ex-
hausted, and having come to the con-
clusion that the marguilliers, as a body,
never intended to supply the Irish
Catholics witha place of worship, pur-
chased the lots on which the Church
and Presbytery now stand.

SAINT PATRICK’S CHURCH.

In October 1831, ground was broken
for a church, 146 feet long, and 65 feet
broad.

The following gentlemen composed
the Committee of Management at that
time : The Reverend Patrick McMahon,
Messrs. John Cannon, Michael Quigley,
John Teed, William. Downes, William
Burke, William Stillings, John Patrick
O’Meara, Hugh Maguire, Michael Con-

— 13

nolly, Thomas Murphy (Upper Town),
John Byrne, Thomas Murphy (Lower
Town), Michael Green, John Molloy,
Richard McGrath, John Coote, Michael
McAvoy, Hugh Murray and Edmund
Baillie O’Callaghan.

Work progressed so favorably, that
preparations were made for the laying
of the corner stone of the church at 4
p-m., on Monday, 11th June, 1832, but
as the cholera broke out on the 8th
June, the ceremony was postponed.
During the reign of terror that existed
during that summer, the stone was laid
without any public display

FIRST MASS IN ST. PATRICK’S.

The last Sunday service for the Irish
in the Lower Town church was on the
30th June, 1833, for at 9 o’clock, on the
7th July, the ceremony of the dedication
of St. Patrick’s took place, the Very
Reverend Jerome Demers, ofticiating,
in the absence of His Lordship the
Bishop, and his Coadjutor. High Mass
was sung by the Reverend C. F. Bail-
largeon, afterwards Archbishop — of
(Juebec. In the sanctuary were the
Reverends Thomas Maguire, chap-
lain of the Ursulines, Louis Joseph
Demers, one of the many priests whe

14

were forced to leave France, in the
revolution of 1793, James Nelligan,
afterwards pastor of St. Patrick’s, and
Thomas L. Brassard, vicar at Quebec.
The sermon was preached by the
Reverend Mr. McMahon. who took as
his text, Genesis, chapter 28, verse 18
“And Jacob arising in the morning,
took the stone, which he had laid under
his head and set it up for a piilar,
pouring oil upon the top of it.” The
collection amounted to $700. The
church then contained 116 pews, which
were leased for three years, atan average
of $17 a year. In 1836, the galleries
were completed, and on the 28th
August, the pews there were leased.

DONATIONS

Were received, at the opening of the
church from the following persons,
namely : Six sets of vestments, one from
His Lordship the Bishop, as welt as a
magnificent chalice, and rich altar front,
one set from the Coadjutor Bishop, one
from the Reverend Ladies of the
Ursulines, one from Mrs. John Teed,
one froma Mrs. O’Neill, one from a
member of the Congregation, albs. etc ,
from the Curate of Quebec, cruets and
basin, all of solid silver, from Mrs. A

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Amyot, and a full length painting of
the Crucifixion, from Mr. Bowman, an
American artist.

On the 23rd December 1834, the
Honorables John Frazer, James
Hastings Kerr, Edward Bowen, George
Pemberton, and Messrs. Henry Leme-
surier, J. B Forsyth, G. B. Cullen,
and Benjamin Cole, as a committee on
the part of the Protestants of Que ec,
presented the Reverend Mr. McMahon
with £220 for the purchase of an organ.
The organ arrived from England, on
the 8th June, 1837, and was used for the
first time, on Sunday, the 9th July, 1837.

On the 8th September, 1835, Lord
Aylmer presented, for the use of the
church, two valuable and richly framed
paintings, and in 1836, Mr. Joseph
Legare gave his life size painting of the
Crucifixion, now in the St. Bridget’s
Asylum, while Mr. Bowman’s gift, on
the same subject found its way to Sher-

brooke, Que

ATTEMPT TO OPEN A STREET THROUGH
THE CHURCH PROPERTY.

In February, 1841, a petition was
presented to the City Council, signed
by Dr Jas. A. Sewell, Pierre Dugal,
and others, praying that D’Aiguillon

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(now Charlevoix) street be continued
from Palace to St Stanislas streets.
As this request, if granted, would lead
to the appropriation of 23 feet of the
church property, the Committee of
Management of St. Patrick’s church
protested that the proposed street was
not required for the convenience of the
public, adding that it was intended to
build a school house in the rear of the
church Those in favor of the street
urged that the property claimed, ap-
peared as a street, in the original deeds
of concession, and in proof of this,
called attention to the Magistrate’s
Book, for 1824, in which would be
found the report of a jury of twelve
citizens, declaring that ‘‘there is a
reserve made for the Rue D Aiguillon,
and that the property for the street
belongs to the public.” The question
was referred to the Road Committee,
who, on the 9th March, 1841 reported.

‘*Vhat in the opinion of the Commit-
tee, there can exist no doubt of a
reserve having been made, and still
existing, for the prolongation of D’Ai-
guillon street, from Palace to St.
Stanislas, there to join St. Henry, (now
Elgin) street.

‘That the opening of the said street
would be of an advantage to the pro-

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prietors, and residents in the imme-
diate neighborhood.

‘That the Committee would recom-
mend that the line of street, running
from Palace to St. Henry street, be
opened as soon as the necessary funds
for purchasing the private property,
situated in it, be obtained, either from
the City Clerk, or by means of indivi-
dual subscriptions ”’

There the matter rested, until March,
1845, when Dr. Sewell and Mr. Dugal
forwarded a petition to the City Coun-
¢il, in which they stated that the Com.
mittee of Management were taking
measures for the enlargement of St.
Patrick’s church, which, when com-
pleted, would extend across that portion
of D’Aiguillon street, situated between
the Rue des Pauvres (Palace street) and
St Stanislas street, and asked the
Council to take up the report of the
Read Committee, on the 9th March,
1841, and to adopt such immediate steps
as they might deem fit.

A petition from the Committee of
Management was also sent in, request-
ing that the prayer of Dr. Sewell and
Mr. Dugal be not entertained.

Both petitions were referred to the
Road Committee. On the 12th March,
they baporters that they had obtained

A ASO ne spt aaacontad

18 --

the opinion of the legal adviser of the
Corporation, the late Honorable Judge
Duval, on the subject, which was, that
the claims of the Corporation, to the
ground in question, was not wellfounded
in law, and that the present proprietors
could not be compelled to give up the
property without being paid the value
thereof.

The Committee were also of opinion,
that this point being settled, and they
being divided on the propriety of recom-
mending to the Council, the purchase
of the ground required for the continua-
tion of D’Aiguillon street, decided on
requesting to be allowed simply to
report the above opinion of the legal
adviser.

Moved by Councillor Michael Con-
nolly, seconded by Councillor John
Doran: ‘‘That the public has no right to
the property alluded to im the petition
of Messrs. Sewell and Dugal, and that
it is inexpedient to purchase the ground
for opening the street, as mentioned in
the same.”

After a long discussion, Councillor
HS. Scott, moved in amendment,
seconded by Councillor John McLeod :
“That the Road Committee be in-
structed to prepare and lay before the
Council, at its nextmeeting, an estimate

— 19 -

of the probable expense of opening
D’Aiguillon street, from Palace street
to St. Stanislas.

YzEAS.—Messrs. Scott, Wilson, Lloyd
and McLeod.

Nays.—Messrs. Glackmeyer, Robi-
taille, Connolly, Rousseau, O’Brien,
Doran, Savard, Tou ‘angeau and Pla-
mondon.,

Another amendment was then pro-
posed by Councillor John Wilson, se-
conded b Councillor H. 8S. Scott :

“That the Corporation will cause the
said street to be opened, provided the
whole expense of doing so, be paid by
the parties interested.”

This amendment was also lost, and
the main motion carried on the follow-
ing division :—

YeEAs.—Messrs. Glackmeyer, Robi-
taille, Connolly, Rousseau, O’Brien,
Doran, Tourangeau and Plamondon.

Nays ---Messrs. Scott, Wilson, Lloyd,
McLeod and Savard.

And this action set the question at
rest, forever.

THE CHURCH EXTENDED,
In 1845, St. Patrick’s church was

extended, but as the Irish .Catholics of
(Quebec then numbered between ten and

_. 20 —

twelve thousand, more ground was
required,and a lot in rear of the church
was perchased from Mrs. Henrietta
Smith, widow of Chief Justice Sewell
The deed was passed before R. J.
Belleau, N P., on the 22nd September,
1846, and conveyed to the church the
lot on which the old sacristy, and the
hall of the St. Patrick s Catholic Ins-
titute were erected together with the
yard, between these buildings The lot
was stated to be 70 feet broad, and 97
feet deep On it stood, at the date of
sale, a building known as the Royal
Circus or Theatre.

The deed also conveyed a strip of
ground on the western side of the above
lot acquired by Mrs. Sewell, from her
son, Dr James A. Sewell, which was
afterwards used as a passage leading to
the Institute

The wall between the property, owned
at that time by Dr. Sewell, and the
church is metoyen, and the right of drop
into the property of the Doctor was con-
ceded, so long as any portion of the
theatre remains standing, but no longer.

It may be interesting to say that the
return of births, marriages and deaths
among the Catholic population of
(Juebec in 1846, shows the following :

Baptisms. Marriages. Deaths.
Canadians . 514 110 434
Trish... .. 558 125 455

FAREWELL ADDRESSES.

Among the vicars, appointed to St.
Patrick’s church, few were more beloved
by the Congregation than the Reverend
Antoine Campeau who died on the Ist
February, 1890. To the close of his life,
he remembered the Imany acts of kind-
tiess he received from the Irish Catho-
lics.

On Sunday, 2nd October, 1842, the
Congregation presented him, with the
following address :—

Reverend and Dear Sir,

‘Your sudden and unexpected re-
moval is a subject of sincere regret to a
very large portion of the Irish Catholies
of this city, for the humility and zeal
you manifested in the discharge, of the
duties of your Ininistry, even towards
the humblest of our congregation, par-
ticularly in the catechising, and in-
structing of our youth, in the first
principles of our Holy religion ; and at
your departure from amongst us, we
renew our attachment towards you, and
fervently pray that God may grant you
the blessings of health, long life, and a

_ 99

continuance of that Christian fortitude
and patience, that characterized you,
whilst amongst us, to enable you to dis-
charge the duties of a new and extensive
mission, (at Percé)

‘‘Taking leave, we beg to assure you,
Reverend Sir, you will carry with you,
our sincere esteem and regard, and we
fervently pray the Giver of ail good to
reward you, for the services you have
rendered, and the labors you have en-
dured amongst us, with unmeasurable
and lasting happiness beyond the
grave.”

The Reverend gentleman replied as
follows :

GENTLEMEN.-—‘‘Please accept my sin-
eerest thanks, for the sentiments of
benevolence expressed in the address
presented to me, in the name of the
Trish Catholics of this city, as also for
the liberal and generous donation, which
you have deposited in my hands. Be
assured, gentlemen, that I am deeply
sensible of the steps you have taken, in
my favor, which will contribute to
strengthen the ties, that have already
bound me, to the Irish Roman Catholic
population of this city.

“Called by the will of God, and that
of my superiors to labor in another por-
tion. of His vineyard, [ hope that.

— 23 —

Almighty God, who had designed me to
labor for a time amongst you, will
voucnsafe to look upon and bless what-
ever little good I may have done
during that time. May Heaven pour
down its choicest blessings upon that
interesting portion of His flock, upon
those dear children, the hopes of our
religion, and country, who, during five
years, have been the greatest object of
my care

‘‘For you, gentiemen, wherever I[
may pass the remainder of my days, the
same remembrance of your esteem and
generosity will be always present to my

mind, and I will never cease to pray for
your spiritual and temporal welfare,
hoping that you will not forget me in
your prayers,”

REVEREND BERNARD O'REILLY.

No little excitement was created in
the congregation of St. Patrick’s church,
when in September, 1846, it was learned
that the Reverend, now Monsignor,
Bernard O’Reilly, vicar at St. Patrick's,
was to be removed. This cast a gloom
over an attached and affectionate flock,
ind their regret was shared in by their
Protestant fellow-citizens, who ackow-
Jedged his worth, and admired his zeal

94 —

im the discharge of his duties, as exhib-
ited, in an earnest desire to maintain
peace and good will among all creeds
and different races. They looked upon
him as warm hearted, liberal in thought,
and deed, while consistently and ardent-
ly attached to his religion, and pos-
sessed of a disposition overflowing with
eharity.

On Wednesday, 16th September, the
congregation met to consider the
question of his removal. At this meet-
ing a deputation was named to wait
upon His Grace the Archbishop of
(Juebec to represent the serious injury
which would be inflicted upon the St
Patrick’s congregation by the removal
of the Reverend Mr O Reilly, more
especially while the Reverend Mr.
McMahon was dangerously ul.

The following gentlemen eomposed
the deputation :-—

Honbles J. Fraser, Judge Power,
Messrs. Edward Ryan, J. P. O’Meara,
Chas. Alleyn, Chas. Sharples, John
Sharples, Henry ©Connor, Michael
©onnolly, J. P. Bradley, Jas. Kelly,
J. J. Nesbitt, Wm. Downes, Wm.
Cronin, Hugh Murray, T. C Lee, L.
A. Cannon, John Maguire, Miles Kelly,
Wm. O’Brien, John Doran, Maurice
(WLeary, J. R. Day, Wm. Richardson,

— 95 —

Wm. Quinn, Rodk McGillis, Joseph
Cantillon, Luke Brothers, Denis
Maguire, Jas. Farley, Peter Donohue,
Chas. McDonald, Chris Flanagan,
Edward Duggan, Richard Charlton,
Jas Walsh, James Colford, Edward
Byrne, and William Tims.

His Grace the Archbishop, in reply
to an address from the deputation,
said that the interests of religion alone
actuated him in the spiritual authority
which had been entrusted to him, and
assured them that it was this, and this
alone, which induced him to withdraw
the Reverend Mr O'Reilly = from
amongst them, to give him charge of
the mission at Sherbrooke, where the
presence of a clergyman of his talents
wnd ability were so indispensably
necessary

On Sunday, 27th September, the
congregation met, and the chairman,
John Sharples, Esq., presented Father
O'Reilly with a purse of £450, accom-
panied by the following address :—

“To the Reverend Bernard O'Reilly.
‘*REVEREND AND DEAR Sir.—We, the

congregation of St Patrick’s Church,

over whose spiritual interests you have

watched, in connection with the Rey-
erend Mr. McMahon, during the last

four years, cannot permit you to leave
us without publicly declaring to you
the sense which we entertain of your
past services.

‘‘With an untiring but tolerant zeal,
you have labored to advance our relli-
gion. Where the wants of your flock
were most urgent, you have been found,
and actuated by a truly enlightened
policy, you have particularly devoted
yourself to the spiritual education of
the youth of this congregation.

‘*In difficulty, we have found you a
guide, in sorrow, a comforcer, and we
are convinced that your unwearied
exertions of those occasions of public
misfortune, with which our city has
been so painfully afflicted (the Suburbs’
tires of 1845) have contributed to draw
closer those bonds of regard, by which
should be bouna, Christians of all
denominations.

‘“‘We owe it to you to declare that
your removal will be a severe loss to
all, but to the youth of the congrega-
tion, especially, (so much improved by
your efforts), it will be a grievous in-
jury.

‘*Permit us, Reverend Sir, to present
you a purse containing £450, as a tes-
facia of our regard and gratitude,

isting that ere long we may have the

benefit and pleasure of beholding you
among us, and begging of you to be
assured that wherever Providence may
east your lot, you will bear with you
the best wishes of this congregation
for your happiness and other fervent
prayers to the Ruler of all things for
your temporal and spiritual wellfare.”’

After a few moments pause, and amid
the stillness that reigned, Father
O Reilly came forward and said :

‘\GENTLEMEN.—Since [I first had the
happiness of being placed among you, I
have invariably received *’om the con-
gregation of St. Patrick’s Church, the
Committee of Management, and your
revered Pastor, daily and hourly, marks
of your kindness and esteem. But the
past four years has elicited from my
countrymen in (Juebec so many de-
monstrations of unexpected and un-
wonted affection, that [ cannot forbear,
on the present occasion, from express:
ing my deep and fervent thanks.

“For the sentiments conveyed in
your address, I beg you will receive my
best, and most sincere acknowledge-
ments. For the generous donation
accompanying it, how can I ever sufh-
ciently testify my gratitude.

‘It breaks my heart to leave such a
people, and God, I trust, will accept

28

and bless my departure from among
you, as the most painful sacrifice I
could be called upon to make.

‘‘In conclusion, I must ask that
Providence, to whom you commend my
welfare, to preserve and increase, in
the midst of the St. Patrick’s congre-
gation, that spirit of peace and brother-
ly love which it has been the constant
duty of your pastors to inculcate, and
which it will be their h: appine 288 to see
reigning in this community.”

On Monday, 28th September, 1846,
the Reverend Mr. O'Reilly left (Juebee.
He was accompanied from the St.
Patrick’s presbytery to the Napoleon
wharf, by an immense procession, com-
prising Protestants as well as Catholics,
while women and children crowded the
sidewalks,

At the steamer, leave taking com-
menced, and so fervent was it that the
reverend gentleman was completely
overcome. It was one of the saddest
partings ever witnessed in old Quebec.

PRESENTATION TO THE REVEREND Mk.
M’ MAHON,

Mindful of the long and _ faithful
services rendered by the Reverend
Patrick McMahon, to the St. Patrick’s

re de Y

-_ NS CF

Xe

cr o™ OY

congregation, the congregation resolved
to present him with a testimonial of
their esteem and gratitude. They
accordingly «appointed the following
gentlemen, a committee to collect sub-
scriptions and carry out their wishes ;

John Sharples, Hsq., Chairman ; J.
P. Bradley, Esq., Secretary ; Chas.
Sharples, Ksq , ‘Treasurer; Honble
Judge Power, Messrs. Michael Con-
nolly, Charles Alleyn, Maurice O'Leary,
Thomas Murphy, Denis Maguire, Wil-
liam Downes, Charles McDonald, J. P.
O’Meara, Henry OConnor, Hugh
Murray, Roderick MeGillis, William
Quinn James Walsh Joseph Cantillon,
John J. Nesbitt, Thomas Gahan, James
Prendergast, William Cronin, Kdward
G. Cannon, John Maguire and William
Richardson.

The Committee waited upon the
Reverend Mr. McMahon, after Grand
Mass on Sunday, 21st March, 1847, in
St. Patrick’s Church, and in the pre-
sence of the congregation, the chair-
man, John Sharples, Hsq., read the
following address :—

‘‘Reverend and Dear Sir,

‘“‘We, the Committee, appointe l at
the meeting of the congregation of St.
Patrick's Church, of this city, forming

— 30 —

your spiritual flock, held on the dth
day of July last, have the honor, on the
part of this congregation, in obedience
to the resolution | passed on thatoccasion,
to pray your acceptance of a com; ete
altar service of silver

‘Though, in the performance of this
duty, it is unnecessary to express our

sentiments, and those of this congrega-

tion towards you, standing as we do,
within this splendid edifice, the monu-
ment alike of your piety and your
patriotism, still we cannot deprive our-
selves of the pleasure of publicly de-
claring our unanimous opinion of your
private virtues and your professional
worth.

‘‘By your untiring energy and zeal,
careless of the sacrifice of health itself,
you have collected the scattered wan-
derers from a distant land. into a happy,
numerous, and a powerful class, con-
scious of their civil duties and careful
to perform them. You have established
schools for the use and benefit of the
youth of this congregation, and in your
lectures from the pulpit you have
taught the adults to respect themselves,
and to compete, through the unavoid-
able struggles of life, in honest emula-
tion with their fellow men.

‘‘With a devoted charity, during two

ol —

successive years, when an infectious
and fatal disease (Asiatic cholera) de-
cimated this city, your attendance, in
the cause of religion, and humanity, at
the couch of poverty, contagion and
death, was unwearied, and upon all
occasions, and under all circumstances,
the orphan, the widow and the emigrant
have found in you their comforter,
their counsellor and their friend.

‘This congregation, by your preach:
ing, has been taught, and, by your
example, has been shown a spirit of
friendship to their fellow-citizens, of
loyalty to their Sovereign, and_ of
devotion to their religion.

‘On the part of this cong egation,
Reverend Sir, we are instructed to
thank you for the favor conferred on
them, by sitting for your portrait,
which they have caused Mr. Hamel, a
native artist of great merit, to take, and
which, in its execution, fully realizes
the high idea we have been led to form
of his talents, and, in common, with
the admirable design and finish of the
altar service, also the work of a native
artist, Mr. Sasseville, of this city,
shows a high state of the tine arts in
Canada.

‘‘The congregation have made the
necessary arrangements to having this

i i RS OES i a

portrait, in the sacristy of this Chur-’,
that within the wall of the edifice itself,
their descendents may learn to know
the features and gratefully to cherish
the memory of the founder of the first
[rish Catholic Church in Canada, and
that they may not remember their fore-
fathers as men unmindful of him, whe
bore the heat and burlen of the day,
not sympathizing in his trials and sacri-
fices, and ungrateful for his most valu-
able services.

‘Your whole flock, Reverend and
Dear Sir, offer their prayers to the
Great Disposer of all things, that He
may be graciously pleased to spare you,
many, many years in health and happi-
ness over them, to increase the benefit
of the great work which you have
perspected, to experience the love of
your people, and their veneration for
your virtues, and to preserve them, by
your exertions, and your example, as
citizens, respectable, as a class, united,
and as a congregation, virtious.”’

The Reverend Mr. McMahon made
the following :

‘‘RELOVED FriENpbs.-~The ardor with
which you push forward to compliment
me, the affectionate spirit of attach-
ment, and esteem breathed in your

\y

address, the magnitude and generosity
of the splendid donation that accompa-
nies it, amounting in value to upwards
of £200, all excite such a tumult of
feeling in my bosom as te render me
entirely unable te give expression to
the sentiments of my heart.

‘‘T need not, I trust, beloved friends,
assure you that I feel deeply grateful to
you for this address, and the very
substantial proof of your affection that
accompanies it. It gives me pain, how-
ever, to know how utterly unworthy I
am of the high compliment you pay
me. Your affectionate good nature has
imposed upon you by making you
over-rate my slender abilities and
services, Which, if they were as exten-
sive as they are limited, would still in
my estimation be very far from deser-
ving the flattering eulogy you have
been pleased to pass upon them.

*“*Ah, beloved friends, hew prone
are the virtuous and single of heart to
overvalue the slender merits of others,
and to make large allowances for their
faults and imperfections

‘Tf in the discharge of the sacred
duties of my ministry I have labored
with assiduity and success, how pleasing
and delightful was the task. Light is

the labor of him who cultivates a rich
3

ae” eee

and fertile soil. Yes, beloved friends,
in the discharge of my varied and mul-
tiplied duties among you, during the
long period of a quarter of a century, I
have always felt gratified to find you
ever ready to respond to my wishes
and to be guided by my instructions.
‘*The splendid church, in which I feel
this day both pride and pleasure in
addressing you, is the work of your own
hands, and not of mine, for what could
I have been able to effect without your
cordial and unanimous co-operation.
Yes, beloved friends, this noble editice,
which you have raised for the worship
of the God of our Fathers is, and will
continue to be a lasting monument of
your piety and your patriotism, and an
incontestable evidence to all, of your
love of religion, as well as of the esteem
in which you are held by your fellow-
citizens of other denominations, who
generously came forward to assist you
in its erection, and I feel satisfied that
the recollection of this fact will not fail
to induce you to cultivate friendly feel-
ing towards them, and to preserve un-
impaired that spirit of peace, harmony,
and good understanding, which now so
happily exists amongst us, and which, as
you well know is the vital principle, the
very life and soul of every community.

—~ ti

‘‘T have lived, beloved friends, to
see a portion, at least, of my fondest
hopes realized, and were it not that my
shattered constitution, and fast de-
clining health forbid me to look forward
toany length of days, I should still
hope to be spared to witness the accom-
plishment of other important projects,
which [ have long been considering,
and which, I feel convinced, would very
much tend to the happines-, respect-
ability and prosperity of this congre-
gation, but I have every reason to believe
that Previdence has reserved the realiza-
tion of these fond projects to other
days and abler hands. In the mean-
time, whatever the will of the Almighty

isposer of events may bein my regard,
I beg to assure you that I never will, I
never can forget your very great kind-
ness to me. Your affectionate wishes
for my health and preservation I also
fully appreciate. I return you my sin-
cere thanks for the same, and beg to
assure you that there is a perfect reci-
procity of feeling on my part.

‘In conclusion, I feel it to be my
duty to profit of the present memorable
occasion to inform you that the very
best dispositions exist in the minds of
our ecclesiastical superiors towards us,
and that the deepest interest is felt by

<a za

our venerable Archbishop, in every
matter that concerns the welfare and
prosperity of this establishment It is
for you to turn all these circumstances
to your advantage, and by faithfully
persevering in your characteristic love
of your religion, respect for your clergy
and obedience to the church to merit a
continuation of these favors.

“T accept, beloved friends, with
heartfelt thanks the magnificent present
which your generous affection profers to
me. I shall use it, according to your
pious wishes, and ever regard it as a
monument of the love aud esteem of a
people dear to my heart. T[ am deeply
conscious how httle my services among
you deserve so high a compliment, but
it will serve asa memorial to stimulate
me to future zeal and exertion, and to
remind me how fervently and incessant-
ly L should pray for the temporal and
eternal happiness of the good, the
generous and noble minded congrega-
tion of St. Patrick’s Church.

‘‘T beg once more to return you my
most grateful acknowledgments, for
your unmixed kindness to me, and pray
that the Great Giver of all good may
shower down his choicest blessings
upon you and yours, during this life,
and perfect them by bringing you all to
the imperishable riches of Heaven.”’

Sled

——— oO

DEATH OF THE REVEREND PATRICK
M’MAHON

The Irish Catholies were now, thanks
to their sobriety, industry and per-
severance, hoiding an honorable position
among their fellow citizens in (Juebee.
In the trades, as in the learned profes-
sions, they were forging ahead. From
Point a Carcy to Sillery, in the mer-
chant’s offices, as on the now deserted
wharves and abandoned coves, the hum
of Trish labor was heard from break of
day to starlight, from May to Novem-
ber, while Irish footprints were be-
coming more plainly visible in the
Canadian sanctuary — and Canadian
cloister.

The leading thought of the Irish set-
tlers was to give their children a good
eclucation, and one has only to refer to
the records of the educational houses in
Quebec, religious and lay, and there he
will see that in the race after know.
ledge, the children of other creeds and
origins found able competitors in the
sons and daughters of the emigrants,
who, on landing in Quebec. had only
their physical strength and powers of
endurance to depend on.

No wonder then that the Reverend
Mr. McMahon, felt ‘hoth pride and

— 38 —

pleasure,” on the 21st March, 1847, in
addressing the St Patrick’s congrega-
tion, as he could not help thinking of
the great advancement made by them
since his appointment as pastor. On
this day from the altar steps he sw
his flock united and zealous in the dis-
charge of their religious duties, and
from the steps of the church the same
union prevailed, each willing to help
the other and all eager to show their
affection for him at every turn.

From tic far away coves, from the
distant parts of the city, in all weathers,
at all seasoi.s the irish Catholics assisted
at the Divine offices in St. Patrick’s
church, ‘‘our own church,” as they
fondly termed it. In this way they
became acquainted with each other. A
union was formed, and the strength of
this union was shown on more than one
occasion.

Priest and people were one. Priest
—he was of the people. - he had grown
up among them, he had devoted the
best years of this life in their service,
he kuew their manners, and customs
their faults and their failing People,
they felt that in him, they had, at all
times, in health. or in sickness, in
prosperity oradversity, a sincere friend
and wise counsellor, whose constant

. a i a ee a ee |

| oat er

CT

— 39 —

alm was to advance their spiritual and
temporal interests. In doubt, he
advised them. In necessity, he re-
lieved them, and in afHiction allayed
their grief,

It was therefore, with the most poig-
nant regret, the congregation of St
Patrick's learned that their esteemed
pastor was ill beyond recovery. Too
true were his words, that his shattered
constitu ion and his fast declining
health forbade him to look forward to
any length of days, for at half-past five
oclock on the morning of the 3rd
October, 1851, the tolling of the St.
Patrick's Church bell announced that
his life was ended.

THE FUNERAL OBSEQUIES.

At 10.30 am. on Monday, 6th
October, the funeral took place amid
the greatest concourse of people ever
witnessed in Quebec on alike occasion.
The procession left his late residence
in the following order :

Children of the Christan Brothers
School.
The Clergy.
The Undertaker.
The attendent physicians, Painchaud,
Morin and Nauli

4(y

The coftin carried by young men,
members of St. Patrick’s Church.

The pall being borne by the following.
reverend gentlemen :

Jos Auclair, Curate of Quebec.

EK G Plante, Chaplain of the Gen-
eral Hospital

John C. O'Grady, Curate of St.
Catherine, (Jue

L. J. Casault, Superior of the Quebec
Seminary

Jas. Nelligan, Curate of St. Sylvester.

Michael Kerrigan, vicar of St.
Patrick’s Church.

The Relatives.

Committee of Management of St.
Patrick’s Uhurch.
Marguilliers of Notre Dane de Quebec.
City Council
Magistrates.

Heads of the Military Departments
Advocates.

Doctors.

Notaries.

St. Vincent de Paul Society.

The Catholic Soldiers of the Garrison..
Police.

Citizens, eight abreast.

The route was St. Sanislas, St. Anny

Treasure, Buade, Fabrique, St. John,
Palace and St Helen streets to St.

8
= —

a me

4]

Patrick’s Chureh, which was hung im
black from altar to organ.

His Lordship C, F. Baillargeon, Bishop
of Tloa, and coadjutor to His Grace
the Archbishop of Quebec, ofticiated.

The Reverend Mr. Kerrigan preached
Inthe course of his sermon, he stated that
the Reverend Mr McMahon was born
aut Abbeyleix, Queen’s county, Ireland,
on the 24th August, 1796, that he com-
pleted his classical studies in Carlow
College, and in 1818 arrived in Canada,
and was appointed one of the professors.
in the college at St. Hyacinthe, Que.,
where he prosecuted his theological
studies until ordained priest, on the
Oth October, 1822, when he was for a
short time attached to the parish of
Notre Dame de Quebec, in charge of
that portion of it speaking the English
language. The important mission of
St John, N B, having become vacant
in 1825, His Lordship Bishop Plessis, of
(Juebec, confided it to the charge of the
Reverend Mr. MeMahon, whose inerit
and capacity he had already appreciated
The deep sorrow manifested by the in-
habitants of St. John, N.B., when i
1828 their much esteemed pastor was
recalled to resume the exercise of his.
ministry among his old parishioners in
Quebec, sufticiently proved how much

— 4

in the short space of three years he had
won their contidence and esteem

Th: reverend gentleman then alluded
to the fact, that in 1828, the Ivish

Catholics, though humerous, possessed
ho church, that on Father McM: swhon's
arrival he resolved on procuring for his
Hock a suitable place wherein to assem-
ble for their religious duties, and that
by his energetic perseverance, seconded
by the good wil and generosity of his
people, assisted by cheir fellow citizens
of other religious denominations, St.
Patrick’s Church was erected, and
1833 them zealous pastor had the
happiness to see within its walls a nu-
merous and flourishing congregation .

Father Kerrigan also spoke of the
deceased as being gifted with oratorical
talents of the first order, and a remark-
awble energy of character.

In some parts of his discourse, when
he recalled to mind the many and so
well known virtues of the departed, the
congregation burst into paroxisms of
weeping impossible to describe.

At the close of the service, the cothn
was deposited under the centre aisle of
thechurch facing the pulpit, ‘‘inthe midst
of my people” as Father McMahon de-
sired A brass tablet, bearing the follow-
ing inscription was placed on his grave:

—_—= _—) fe

435

Beneath this tablet,
Repose
The Mortal remains of
The Rev’d Patrick McMahon,
Founder of
St. Patrick’s Church,
Who departed this life on
drd of October, 1851,

Aged 55 years.
Distinguished by rare talents,
Pre-eminent for Catholic virtue and

charity.

Fervent in the discharge of his duties,
He gained the respect and affection
Of the flock over whom he presided
for five and twenty years.

The congregation of this chureh
In deep affliction for his loss, and in
grateful
Remembrance of his virtues,
Have placed
This tablet to his memory.
May he rest in peace.

The marble tablet, on the pillar,
facing the pulpit, was uncovered in
1852, on the anniversary of Father
McMahon's death. It bears the follow-
ing inseription :—

44 —

Db. O. M.
Hc JACET
Rev. Parrirrus McManon
HUJUS ECCLESLE CONDITOR
ET XXV FERME ANNIS
CATHOLICORUM HIBERNICORUM
(JUEBECL DEGENTIUM
DILECTISSIMUS PASTOR.

SINGULARI ORATIONIS PR-EDITUS
RELIGIONIS HONORI SEMPRR STUDENS,
COMMISSL GREGIS SALUTI,

ETIAM ADVERSA VALETUDINE
CONSTANS INCUBUIT.

OBvIt DIE TERTIA OcToBRis A.D MbCCCLL
LV ANNOS NATUS
REQUIESCAT IN PACE.

FAREWELL TO REVEREND MR. KERRIGAN,

In the midst of their grief, the con-
vregation of St. Patrick’s learned that
the Reverend Michael Kerrigan, the
Reverend Mr McMahon's faithful
friend, his assistant from the 10th July,
1847, and a constant attendant at his
deathbed, had decided to leave Quebec
On the eve of his departure he was
presented with the following address:—
‘‘Reverend Sir.

“The Committee of Management of
St. Patrick’s Church cannot permit you

svat ty

to leave Quebec without expressing the
lively sense wnich they entertain of the
raluable services you have rendered to
the Catholic congregation of this city
speaking the English language.

‘They first owed your presence
wmong them to that Christian and cour-
ageous devotion, so characteristic of
the Catholic clergy, which in 1847,
when the typus fever of the worst des-
cription, aggravated by famine and
destitution, » ti raged i in this city, arrested
your progress, and directed your
energies to attend the sick beds of the
exiles of vui native land, poor, deserted,
and infected, death stricken, and death
bestowing. Through two seasons of
Asiatic cholera (1849-1851) your efforts
have been alike unceasing in consoling
the sick and administering to the dying
the rites of the religion.

‘In the pulpit they have heard the
truths of religion expounded by you,
with the grace of a scholar and the zeal
of the divine. Norcan it be forgotten
that in his long last illness, you were
the esteemed companion and friend of
that admirable man, the Reverend
Patrick McMahon, the founder of our
Church, whose memory will ever be
fresh in the hearts of the Lrish of Quebec.
“On the part of the congregation,

int £6

they beg to present you with the sum
of £200, as an earnest of their sympa-
thy, and kind feeling, and while they
regret the necessity which removes you
from Quebec, be assured, dear Sir, you
will bear with yeu the best wishes of
the congregation for your temporal and
spiritual welfare.
Signed, JOuN SHARPLES,
President.
Maurice ©’ LEARY,
Secretary.

(Juebee, 3rd November 1851

The Reverend Mr. Kerrigan replied
as follows:—

‘*GENTLEMEN.—-I receive with feelings
of the highest gratification and pleasure
the kind and complimentary address
which you have just presented to me,
and return you my most sincere and
warmest thanks for the sentiments it
contains, and for the valuable and un-
deserved present which accompanies it.
I cannot but feel that you appreciate,
altogether beyond their merits, the
humble services, [ have during my
residence amongst you rendered the
St. Patrick’s congregation, services so
far from being irksome to me, though
multiplied, were tur ed into a source of
delight by the consoling and Christian
spirit in which they were alwaysreceived

AG -

‘If there be one part of your address
to which I have cause to refer with
pride, though alloyed with sorrow and
affliction, more than to any other, it is
that wherein you allude to my close
connection with that good and saintly
minister of God, whose noble spirit has
so lately departed from amongst us,
and whose loss we shall all so deeply
and so long deplore.

‘“‘T will not fail to remember, with
gratitude, your generosity towards me,
and to offer to the Most High my
earnest and most fervent prayers for
your prosperity in this life and your
eternal happiness in the next ”

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT.

The foilowing gentlemen were mem-
bers of the Committee during the life-
time of the Reverend Mr. McMahon :

Messrs. John Cannon, Michael
Quigley, John Teed, William Downes,
William Burke, William Stillings, John
Patrick O'Meara, Hugh Maguire,
Michael Connolly, Thomas Murphy,
(Upper Town), John Byrne, Thomas
Murphy (Lower Town), Michael Green,
John Molloy, Richard McGrath, John
Coote, Michael McAvoy, Hugh Murray,
Kdmund Baillie O’Callaghan, William
O'Brien, Honble William Power.

oa Be

Elected.
1837-—-Edward George Cannon, Patrick
McInenly.

1838—John Sharples, Chas McDonald.

1839.—Edward Ryan, Patrick McGarvey.

1840 - Joseph Patrick Bradley, Owen
McNally.

1841— William Cronin, Roderick
MecGillis.

1842—-Honble Charles Alleyn, Thad-
deus Kelly.

1845-—William Richardson, James
Prendergast.

1844—John J. Nesbitt, William Quinn.

1845—Honble John Maguire, John
Doran.

1846—James Walsh, Joseph Archer.

1847 — Charles Sharples, Henry O’Con-
nor.

1848-—Patrick McMahon, Thomas
Gahan.

1849- Maurice O’Leary, Lawrence
Stafford.

1850 Mathew Enright, Miles Kelly.

1851—Benson Bennett, Edward Quinn,

Mr. William Richardson was ordained
priestat Quebeconthe 18th August, 1850.
And with the death of the Reverend

Mr. McMahon closes the history of dear

old St Patrick’s Church, which stands

to this day a monument of I[rish per-

severance and Protestant liberality.

ee

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5
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